Kitemill is excited to announce the signing of the Grant Agreement with the European Commission, officially marking the launch of the AWE-KM2 project. This milestone represents a major step forward for Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) as a pivotal solution to Europe’s energy and material dependency challenges. As part of the European Innovation Council's Horizon Europe program, AWE-KM2 is uniquely positioned to advance sustainable energy production and enhance Europe’s energy security.
The European Union has raised urgent concerns about material dependency and energy supply vulnerabilities, as highlighted in the Critical Raw Materials Action Plan and the Energy Supply Chain Analysis Report. These documents underscore the risks associated with Europe’s reliance on imported materials—98% of solar equipment comes from China—and the increasing foreign control of wind energy supply chains.
The AWE-KM2 project directly addresses these challenges by dramatically reducing material requirements. Airborne Wind Energy systems use 90% less material than conventional wind turbines and solar installations, even before accounting for the additional materials required for energy storage to manage intermittency in traditional renewables. This unparalleled efficiency offers a pathway to sustainable energy production that is resilient to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Europe’s rapid renewable energy deployment has already revealed critical weaknesses in the energy mix. Solar energy, while vital to achieving net-zero goals, operates with capacity factors of just 10–19% in Europe, leading to challenges such as negative energy prices during 19% of daylight hours in Germany in 2023. These statistics highlight the urgent need for technologies like AWE to ensure stability and value in the renewable energy grid.
With projected capacity factors around 50%, AWE offers a consistent, high-yield alternative that complements solar and conventional wind by harnessing stable, high-altitude winds. The reduced material demands and flexibility of AWE systems also align with the EU’s vision of sustainable, secure, and efficient energy solutions.
The AWE-KM2 project is not only an engineering breakthrough but also a vital contribution to the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. By addressing material efficiency and intermittency, the project supports:
Strategic Autonomy: Reduced dependence on imported raw materials strengthens Europe’s energy independence and resilience.
Environmental Responsibility: AWE technology’s minimal material requirements reduce the carbon footprint of renewable energy infrastructure.
Economic Efficiency: By avoiding the heavy storage requirements of solar and wind, AWE systems enhance energy reliability and reduce system costs.
Kitemill’s vision for AWE, as presented in the EU-backed reports and policies, aligns closely with the insights shared in its AWEC 2024 presentation. These highlight AWE’s unique ability to address Europe’s material, economic, and energy security concerns comprehensively.
The signing of the Grant Agreement marks the beginning of a bold journey to redefine renewable energy in Europe. Kitemill is honored to be a part of this transformative project, working toward a sustainable, resilient, and secure energy future for all.
Follow our progress and learn more about the AWE-KM2 project at www.kitemill.com.
Caption:
Thomas Hårkau, Oleksii Lialiuk and Stig Magne Olsen happy to have completed yet another milestone.
